Participatory Budget

What Is Participatory Budgeting?

Participatory Budgeting is a democratic process where community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget. It is taxpayers working with local government to make budget decisions that affect their lives. It is a different way to manage public money that engages people and government.

Participatory Budgeting provides funds for improvements to Town infrastructure / programs that benefit the public:

Parks, trails, accessibility ramps, street lights, bus shelters

View the Participatory Budget 2015 Rule Book

Submissions are no longer being received for 2015; the deadline was October 16, 2015. For more information please call 780-740-8059, or email

Join us for a Participatory Budget Open House at the Teck Coal Room in the Hinton Municipal Library from 6 - 8 pm on December 9, 2015 to find out more about the submissions. Voting will be held from 6 - 8 pm on December 10th and from 10-12 noon on December 12, 2015 in the Teck Coal Room

Residents in Hinton will decide how to spend $100,000. These funds can be used for local improvements to infrastructure projects that benefit the public - parks, trails, Town programs (ie. recreation/FCSS/arts & culture), infrastructure (ie. accessibility ramps, benches, street lights) etc. The ideas that received the most votes will be forwarded to Council for final approval and implementation.

Criteria:

Cannot exceed total budget of $100,000

Benefit the public (no private or not-for-profit requests) by improving local infrastructure of support a Town program (open and accessible to public at large)

Cost estimate for materials and installation are $20,000- $30,000 plus an estimated $15,000 for options for court 2 or court 4 (requires additional engineering consultation). Will reduce (multipurpose) use of the courts in general: down to 1 squash court or down to one racquetball court in case the result is a permanent fixed BB installation vs. a retractable one.
Future consideration for Recreation Centre Design 10 Year Study. Currently under development.

Shade/shelter at the Spray Park (ie. similar construction to the shelter at Green Square)

Estimated Cost: $80,000

The original design of the inclusive Play and Spray Park included a gazebo feature. The gazebo was scrapped from the plan due to cost overruns.
A couple of options and preliminary estimates for a gazebo/shelter would be $54,000-$80,000 depending on size and scope of the project.
In Spring 2016 multiple mature shade providing trees will be planted.

Adult fitness park north of existing spray park

Estimated Cost: $75,000

Various fitness features geared towards adults, and usable for high school students (PE program.
Costs for a minimum of 10 stations is estimated at $12,000
Costs for prepping the land for this use and installation can be estimated as being 10-fold of the equipment purchase price.
North of existing Spray Park is a space currently dedicated to a volleyball field.
Study has to be initiated focussed on:
*trending in (outdoor) fitness equipment/stations
*risk and liabilities regarding (unsupervised) outdoor fitness equipment and its use
*best practices and recommendations from existing municipalities
Note:
This section is in close proximity of the west ball diamond.
There is a waterline and power line along the path way for irrigation and the Spray Park water and power

This playground is fairly new and highly used. Current surface is sand, difficult access for wheelchairs. Blowing sand creates high maintenance demand.
Recommendation to use ‘pour in place’, same as Inclusive Play Park at Gordon Moore.

New lights at the skate park

Estimated cost: $6,000

Currently there are 4 light posts. Replacing of the lights can be done by: LED or other energy efficient variants: $ 450 + per unit
More fixtures require extra posts: starting at $ 1,500 per post.

Enhance Riverside Park with modern shelter, horseshoe pits and other amenities, even a play park

Estimated Cost: $20,000

Similar set up as other smaller playgrounds. Ideas to be taken into consideration when looking at options, ie. work together with the initiators of Frisbee Golf

Install a sidewalk between Keil Drive and Jarvis Street (when riding a bike you have to join the highway traffic for this portion of the road as there is no shoulder or sidewalk)

Estimated cost: $45,000

At this moment the grass boulevard is being utilized by cyclists. This is a safe option.
Estimates for the development of a paved trail depends on the land condition. Expect this project to be in the range of $175,000. If a gravel trail is considered then cost would be in the range of $45,000.

A preliminary estimate for a gazebo/shelter would be $54,000-$80,000 depending on size and scope of the project.
A band stand would be significantly higher in price due to required size and additional amenities ie power hook ups / light trusses.
The lay out and square footage is limited to accommodate a band stand and enough (safe) spectator area
Other option:
Utilizing the show mobile.

Upgrading of the Interpretive Park by Canadian Tire; safety check of lookout/viewpoint; replacement of interpretative signs; upgrade of walkway; more pickup of litter. This is an important stopping tourist stopping point and well used.

Estimated Cost: $50,000

This park used to have a support group taking care of (daily) maintenance.
Since 2011 this has been taken over by the Town, this includes i.e. safety checks and garbage picking; now regular operation and in line with service priority.
Replacement of signs: estimated at $1,500.
Could spend up to $50,000 to upgrade walkways, etc.

TOH hire a crew specifically to build trails, linkages and boardwalks (where needed) in 2016 as per Trails Master Plan (ie. along Athabasca River from Maskuta Creek to Riverside Park; connector from West River Road (near Maskuta Creek) up to Natural resource interpretive park or mal; connector from Hardisty Creek near railroad crossing.

Paved trails throughout Town.

Estimated Cost: $100,000

Could spend up to $100,000 to update Trail Master Plan and set priorities for trails to build and maintain.

Hinton Transit: One-year trial for transit to begin at 7 am Monday to Friday; would facilitate more workers getting to work both ways using transit

Estimated Cost: $20,000

The earlier shift was removed due to low ridership and budget restraints. It would also mean negotiating with First Canada to alter the current contract.

More bus shelters (closed in)

Estimated Cost: $40,000 (4 shelters)

Cost per shelter would be approximately $10,000. The current shelters were placed strategically in relation to ridership #’s, demographics and site access at the time they were implemented. Recommended sites would be KFC, Across from Sobeys, Mcdonalds and Mountain St./2ndCollinge Rd. Stop.

In winter season 2014/2015 a pilot project was tried with a rectangle area bordered by 4x4 wood beams. Due to our natural/weather situation and current configuration of the space it is not feasible to build and maintain a natural ice surface at Green Square.
In case of a revamping of this original idea, the following has to be part of the project scope: levelling of the grass area / building retaining walls / drainage / replacing of existing structures / rescheduling staffing for specific upkeep.
Artificial skating surface option: Synthetic ice (plastic panels). Would require ground levelling work (summer) and storage, transportation and installation (set up/take down)
1/5 of an official rink: $18,000 US for required panels.
Limited lifespan and would require annual maintenance.
Note: There has been discussion to focus maintaining a 400m oval rink on Maxwell Lake in conjunction with local volunteers that has been operating for several winters.

Repair potholes on road and parking lot of Hinton Centre

Estimated Cost: $10,000

Spend the $100,000 to properly fix potholes on our town streets. All citizens drive on the streets and therefore all citizens would benefit.

Cost: $100,000

This would allow for more asphalt work to be done by adding to existing program.

In-house realization (in spring/summer 2016) of (re-)development access points including pathways, landscaping as per regular maintenance and upkeep. Quotes for signage and wood posts at a total cost of $600 for 18 trail connections.

Signage to be included in 2016 operational budget and installed in –house.

Purchase beautiful Christmas decorations for the Hinton Centre to promote a venue that businesses would want to have their parties at.

Administration is currently working with the Hinton Chamber, Hinton Centre, and user groups to provide decorations through the operating budget and possible donations.

Realised through operational budget

Improvements to entrance to Maxwell Lake Trail System including toilets, small shelter, fire pit, children’s play area and signage re bird life. Small concession.

Bathrooms have been supported by Council direction to include in the 2016 budget.

Fire pits/fires are uncontrolled and not to be permitted.
Designed play area (incl. structures) is not the desired attraction at this recreation location.

Construct an exterior entrance to the gym at HCHS or GRCCS to allow for weekend access to the gyms during the winter. Entrance to include small washrooms, sign out area, and limited supply of gym equipment

This is a school structure and not part of the town infrastructure.

Crosswalk at L & W, more lighting, bright paint etc.

Requires Alberta Transportation approval

The Town does not have proper trail/sidewalk directing pedestrians to this crosswalk on both sided of the highway. Alberta Transportation advised that this crosswalk should be removed as it is not located at an intersection and creates a safety concern.
Recommendation is to direct the pedestrians to cross at the intersection.

Crosswalk across Highway 16 at Brookhart

Requires Alberta Transportation approval

Would require controlled lights

Outdoor farmers / craft market

Does not meet the PB criteria as this is not a town program

Refer to HREDC (Hinton Regional Economic Development Coalition)

Promotional screens/TVs in high traffic area promoting Hinton and area attractions and events

This has an operational component that would require on-going maintenance (i.e. promotion of events).

Does not meet the 2015 PB criteria as it is not a town specific program.

Refer to HREDC

Hinton Business Incubator-Feasibility Study: Provide funds for economic development research to accelerate the successful development of start ups and fledgling companies by providing entrepreneurs with an array of industry specific resources and services.

Does not meet the 2015 PB criteria as it is not a town program nor related to town infrastructure.

Refer to HREDC

Opportunities Development Fund- Feasibility Study: A pilot project designed to give local investors within the community the opportunity to stimulate economic growth right in our own backyard

Does not meet the 2015 PB criteria as it is not a town program nor related to town infrastructure.

Refer to HREDC

Emergency shelter for men

Not a town program

Provincial Government or non-profit organizations are responsible for this type of initiative.

Low income family rec centre passes

Operational implications

Could run this as a pilot project. Would have to draft a policy in regards to qualifications and criteria.

$20,000 towards Seniors fun tours

On-going Operational implications

This is a project that increases the Quality of Life for people and was a once a week excursion in 2015 which people pay $20/trip to cover entry fees, meals and some of the costs associated with the trips. One trip/week works out to approximately $20,000 which includes wages for the driver, benefits and fuel. Participant feedback to date has been positive and supportive to continue offering these services.
Support costs, arranging the trips, doing schedules, taking registrations, and payments etc. would be done internally.

Bus for senior transportation for special events

Not a Town program and operational requirements

Pine Valley, Neighour Link and the Town could provide the service outside of regular scheduled hours if the individuals/groups were willing to pay the actual costs.

FCSS outreach bus so can be used by other community groups

Not a Town program and operational requirements

First Canada and Beaupre already provide this service and there is not enough demand to warrant more systems. Should we be competing with private enterprise with tax payer $$. Not a Town Project.

Another bus for seniors

Not a Town program and operational implications

The cost of another bus would be 80,000 and operational costs based on the existing Freedom Express would be $95,000 annually. There are two other options in Hinton – Pine Valley Lodge Bus and Neighbor link Van. Utilize existing buses for this.

Heat lamps in the ceiling of the change rooms at the pool at the recreation centre

The current electrical/panel capacity requires further research; depending on the exact type/number of fixtures and electrical specs.

Ceiling height and installation possibilities would have to be explored.
Currently have forced air and have increased the temperature by one degree (to start) and will check with customers if this improved the comfort level while changing.

Family change room at the pool

Exceeds PB allocation

This has been a request for many years.
The reports/estimates for a renovation to accommodate a family change room are around $ 450,000 (was at $350,000 at previous estimates).
Taken as information and to be included in the Recreation Centre Design 10 Year Study. This is currently under development.

New scoreboard at centre ice at Bill Thompson Arena

Exceeds PB allocation

Current structure cannot support a centre scoreboard.
Taken as information to be included in Recreation Centre Design 10 Year Study, currently under development.
The current score boards in the Arenas are part of the Coca Cola agreement (that includes the beverages vending machines).
If replaced then this agreement has to be taken in consideration.
Pricing of a single face score board starts at & 60,000.00 (excl. Shipping and installation).

Indoor playground where toddlers can run and play in a heated space. Being active is so important and parents are limited where they can be with their children when is rains or snows.

Operational Implications

Rec Centre: court, by Day Care and Parent Link purchase of equipment and adjustments to space $ 10,000
Pro’s: existing space / regulated (admission) individual access
Con’s: loss of court for other usage
No storage space in case of switched usage set up (wood floor to remain for sport act. usage).
The Guild: currently used for this purpose by ‘Hinton Parents for Play’. Future use of the space under revision.
Other Town owned facilities: not readily available. Needs for upgrading unknown including accessibility, operation, etc.
Taken as information to be included in Recreation Centre Design 10 Year Study, currently under development.

In bouldering room, build higher walls

Cost aspect and (operational) liability issues are beyond scope of PB

In working out the details regarding liability protection, safety maintenance, operational training and monitoring systems it became apparent that a high wall climbing section is not feasible for our facility and community.
It resulted in the HCC donating their funds towards a endless climbing wall that serves the group of less skilled and younger climbers. Plus it provides a training tool for more advanced climbers as well.
The Bouldering Wall has been successfully in use since the opening in 2012. Bouldering is an activity that can be done up to 12 feet high walls, with fall protection flooring (matting). Climbing on walls/structures over 12 feet requires (top rope) belaying by either an active partner or by an auto belay system. When the court conversion was initiated the option for a high wall section was integrated in the design. This section has been built though the belay system was an enhancement outside the scope of the initial project

Warm water in the spray park

The Spray Park is equipped with and operated to provide warm water.

The Spray Park already has a dual system: Flow through and Circulation. The first one is regular city water (untreated and unheated) which goes to waste. The second one is circulated for treatment (sanitation) and heating (up to 84 F.) It is mechanically and financially cost prohibitive to heat Flow through water to a desired ‘warm water’ temperature.
At start up in Spring we operate on flow through until the Health Inspector approves to switch over to Circulation (avg. up to 3 weeks).

Improve attractiveness and use of park on Sutherland (ie. mini-amphitheatre, picnic tables and grills, flower beds, children’s play area etc.

Full development for paved bike trial in currently unutilized/unserviced areas runs up to $275 per meter.
Areas for paths that have been identified in the past and got to planning stage were budgeted as:
Ie. 2013 – Thompson Lake - $3M.

More bike paths alongside the highway

Exceeds PB allocation

Full development for paved bike trial in currently unutilized/unserviced areas runs up to $275 per meter.
Areas for paths that have been identified in the past and got to planning stage were budgeted as:
Ie. 2013 – Thompson Lake - $3M.

Trail along Eaton Road and upgrade cut-across trail that then goes down onto Switzer Drive from Eaton Road

Exceeds PB allocation

Full development for paved bike trial in currently unutilized/unserviced areas runs up to $275 per meter.
Areas for paths that have been identified in the past and got to planning stage were budgeted as:
Ie. 2013 – Thompson Lake - $3M.

Paved trails all through town that one can run on without fear of attack from animals or humans, many people avoid trails because they feel vulnerable

Location that serves this need now already is the track at Gordon Moore Park

Garbage cans and recycle containers along major trail systems and Beaver Boardwalk (or at least the trailheads)

Operational costs as some trails require walking in to remove garbage.

All trail heads have a garbage bin. Count in 2014 was 153 in total. Most are bear proof, some have recycling as well.
Placing garbage bins on trails requires more time to empty them (esp. in winter time) and is not recommended by Fish & Wildlife

Fire pits with built in grills at a Town park with wood supply and picnic tables

Funding for ECD mobile bus so FCSS/Library/ Youth Centre could do early childhood outreach programs in the community using the mobile bus.

Requires an operational budget for fuel and maintenance.

Bus = $85,000 to $100,000. This is to address the ECI results in our community that indicated 1 in 4 children were not school ready socially, with emotional maturity, communication skills and general knowledge. This is approaching the challenge by going to where the people are and helping to reduce the barriers that people facing in getting to programs.

Expansion of Handibus service

Operational request

Freedom Express currently operates Mon. – Thurs. 8:30-4:30 Friday 8:30- 3 and Sun. 9-12 . There is no evening or Sat. Service available. Each extra hour of service $75-$100/hour

Outdoor skating, tobogganing hill

Infrastructure already in place

Outdoor rinks at Erith Park / Kinsmen Park / Mary Reimer Park and Maxwell Lake.
Tobagganing Hill at Collinge Road and Nordic Centre
Since this was an anonymous submission it was not possible to follow up.

Staffing the pool / arenas on Sunday afternoons

Operational Request

Pool is open and staffed on Sunday afternoons for public use.
Arena is open and staffed during regular season for public use – October to April
And in pre-season August –Sept it has been opened for rentals, events and drop in use for set hours that were staffed by Arena staff or monitored by CSC staff. Arena staffing cost $2,880 and building operating cost $ 1,120 for a total of $4,000 / day.

Fix the lights at Hardisty & Switzer so people don’t sit on Hardisty waiting for someone to pull up and trigger the light

The lights are working as designed to accommodate traffic volume at that intersection.

Since this was an anonymous submission it was not possible to follow up.